Stepping into any Birds Barbershop location offers an instant immersion into the local neighborhood.
Custom artwork lines the walls, local influences shape each shop's design, music plays overhead and stylists welcome everyone through the door. No matter the location, the mission is the same:
“Our goal is that when clients walk in, they’ll see that each location is different, but they’ll still know it’s Birds,” co-founder Michael Portman said. “If clients can appreciate the attention to detail, then that translates into an exceptional experience.”
This summer, co-founders Portman and Jayson Rapaport are bringing that philosophy to two new shops in Georgetown and West Parmer, where clients of all ages and genders can get expert cuts, color and trims. The openings will bring Birds to 11 locations across Central Texas.
What can clients expect from the new locations?
The Georgetown and West Parmer locations are expected to open in late summer, ahead of the back-to-school season. To celebrate each opening, the first 100 clients will receive a free limited-edition poster featuring the shops’ custom artwork.
For Georgetown, the founders reunited with Bryan Keplesky, the artist behind the company's original South Lamar mural, to create artwork inspired by the city. The mural incorporates the community's iconic red poppies.
“We’re trying to capture the character of the town,” Portman said. “Georgetown is its own community, so it deserves its own theme.”
Meanwhile, many residents who live by West Parmer work in the technology field and commute to work. So the team decided on a racing theme, which captures the fast-paced momentum of the neighborhood, while creating a playful, welcoming atmosphere inside the shop.
Birds Barbershop began with a conversation between lifelong friends Rapaport and Portman. They grew up together in Laredo before reconnecting in Austin after spending time on opposite coasts. As they explored their new city, a conversation about haircuts turned into a business idea.
“We opened in 2006 with one shop, and here we are 20 years later,” Rapaport said. “In Austin, Georgetown and Round Rock, residents give local businesses the first shot.”
Over those two decades, Birds has grown into an annual “Best of Austin” favorite while remaining independently owned, giving the founders the freedom to grow, embrace creativity and stay closely connected to the communities they serve.
How does Birds invest in its employees and the communities it serves?
Throughout the year, Birds partners with local nonprofits through initiatives such as Pins for a Purpose: an ongoing program that raises money through pin sales, displayed at every front desk.
Rather than supporting the same organization year-round, the company often aligns its giving with causes recognized throughout the calendar, such as Pride Month, Black History Month and other community observances.
Employees are also encouraged to volunteer their time and talents, from providing haircuts at homeless shelters to raising money for organizations such as the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians.
About five years ago, Rapaport and Portman stepped back from overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business and put an all-female leadership team in place, led by Birds President Chelsea Hadden.
“An all-female leadership team reflects a lot of the employees here. There are a lot of women leaders – leaders of their households, leaders in their communities – who work with us,” Portman said.
The founders now focus on long-term planning and thoughtful growth, and the leadership team guides company culture, mentors staff and oversees daily operations across every location.
"We've always been focused on our people because happy people make happy haircuts," Portman said.
What's next for Birds?
Looking ahead, Rapaport and Portman plan to continue growing, one thoughtfully designed shop at a time.
For the founders, Georgetown and West Parmer aren't simply the company's newest addresses; they're the latest opportunity to put down roots, build relationships and create spaces that feel unique to the neighborhoods clients call home.
Click here to learn more about Birds Barbershop, or to schedule an appointment today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
